The best winter drivers are those prepared for the worst. To get where you’re going during these difficult months, take your time and think ahead.
Before starting out in snowy weather, remove the snow from the entire car so it doesn’t blow onto your windshield or the windshields of other drivers. Make sure your mirrors, lights, brake lights and turn signals are clean.
It’s not too late to brush up on winter driving techniques to help you navigate safely. Drivers can avoid roadside breakdowns by keeping their vehicles properly maintained. Motorists should follow their vehicle manufacturer’s recommended maintenance schedule and make sure it is ready for the rigors of winter driving.
Here are a few things to accomplish before heading out:
- Emergency Kit: Update your emergency roadside kit for winter to include a mobile phone and car charger, blankets, a flashlight with extra batteries, a first-aid kit, drinking water, a small shovel, a sack of sand, cat litter or traction mats, windshield scraper and brush, battery booster cables and emergency flares or reflectors.
- Antifreeze: Check antifreeze annually to ensure it will withstand the winter cold. A mixture composed of half coolant and half water will protect against freezing.
- Windshield wipers and washer fluid: Replace wiper blades if they do not clear the glass in a single swipe without streaking. Consider the use of special winter blades that offer improved performance in snow and ice conditions. Fill the windshield washer reservoir with winter detergent fluid to prevent freeze up.
- Tires: Cold weather reduces tire inflation pressure, so check tire pressures frequently and maintain the vehicle manufacturer’s recommended pressure found on the driver’s door jamb—not the pressure stamped on the tire sidewall. Motorists should never reduce tire pressure in an attempt to increase traction on snow and ice. This does not work. When the roads dry out it can cause excessive tire wear and vehicle handling problems.
- Battery: Check for a secure fit and clean away any corrosion on the battery and its cable connections. If the battery is out of warranty, it’s advisable to have it tested before cold weather hits. Faulty batteries cause more car starting problems than any other factor.
- Gas Lines: Keep the fuel tank at least half full to avoid fuel-line freeze-up.
- Belts and hoses: Replace accessory drive belts that are cracked, glazed or frayed, as well as coolant hoses that are visibly worn, brittle, bulging or excessively soft. Check for leaks around hose clamps and at the radiator and water pump.
Additionally, AAA recommends the following tips for winter driving:
- When you see flashers, move over a lane if possible and slow down as you’re passing emergency vehicles.
- Before starting out in snowy weather, remove the snow from the entire car so it doesn’t blow onto your windshield or the windshields of other drivers. Make sure your mirrors, lights, brake lights and turn signals are clean.
- To increase your visibility, drive with your low-beam headlights illuminated at all times.
- All passengers should be safely secured with their safety belts fastened.
- Watch for icy surfaces on bridges and intersections, even when the rest of the road seems to be in good condition.
- Always reduce your speed and increase your following distance when poor road or weather conditions prevail.
- Look farther ahead in traffic. Actions by other drivers will alert you to problems and give you extra seconds to
- When changing lanes, avoid cutting in front of trucks, which need more time and distance than passenger vehicles to Hard braking may cause a vehicle to skid.
- Never use cruise control if the roads are wet, slick or snow packed.
- Remember that four-wheel drive helps you to get going quicker, but it won’t help you stop any faster.
If your vehicle is equipped with anti-lock brakes, apply constant, firm pressure to the pedal when stopping. You may feel or hear a thumping sound when the system is engaged.
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